A NEW electric wheelchair for nine-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer John Hindle is now on the cards, thanks to a final cash boost from Hallmark Cards plc.

John's parents Trevor and Janet, of Victoria Street, Clayton-le-Moors, began fundraising in July for the chair which costs £5,500 and that target has now been passed.

Staff at the Altham Industrial Estate business -- formerly Hambledon Studios -- raised £500 during European Health and Safety Awareness Week.

Every employee was given a promotional leaflet containing various competitions on safety themes.

Each returned pamphlet was converted into £1 by the company and employee Gary Fielding, who helped kickstart the fundraising for John with his former band Nobody's Heroes, suggested the youngster receive the money.

Paul Stuart, Operations Director of Hallmark Cards PLC, then agreed to make up the money to £500.

He said: "Hallmark Cards PLC are happy to support employees, wherever possible, when raising money for charities and needy causes.

"A great amount of effort from Gary Fielding and other members of the Health and Safety Committee has been put into raising funds for John Hindle.

"And we are delighted to make a donation to help raise the vital funds needed to support the child."